Rabbi David Bistricer

It’s well-known that a mammal needs to be a cloven-hooved cud-chewer to be considered kosher. What does a person’s heart and soul need to be kosher? Join Rabbi David Bistricer, a Rabbinic Coordinator with OU Kashruth, for an unexpected look at what makes mammals kosher. Can purity of heart undo the Exile and rebuild the […]

New Jewish diet: Don't eat at anyone's house. We all know that this regimen will never (ahem) "take off." But why not? How exactly is it that we can eat when we didn't personally verify kashrus? Join Rabbi David Bistricer, a Rabbinic Coordinator with OU Kashruth, as he discusses the legal underpinnings of eating food without first-hand knowledge of its source and preparation. Are all Jews valid witnesses for kashrus? Can you rely on someone whose kashrus standards are lower than yours? Is there a difference between reliance on a host and reliance on a grocer? Tune in: You can trust us when we say you'll come away smarter!

“The Sun requires kosher certification; consequently, some dried fruit may not be permissible.” You’ll never see THAT line in an article! And yet, you’ll still want to join Rabbi David Bistricer, a Rabbinic Coordinator with OU Kashruth possessing vast expertise in insect infestation, as he discusses the kashrus “red flags” when buying dried fruits. You’ll […]

The Talmud discusses when seals are required on food to preserve their permissibility. How does that play out in our era of shrink-wrap and flip-top cans? Join Rabbi David Bistricer, a Rabbinic Coordinator with OU Kashruth, for a clear and through discussion of this practical and daily issue. Must I always look for a kosher symbol? What if a required seal is absent? Is re-packaged OU candy under the OU? Tune in and learn about kashrus security!

“What will the neighbors think” is often immaterial—but sometimes it’s of major importance. Join Rabbi David Bistricer, a Rabbinic Coordinator with OU Kosher, as he explores the intersection between kashrus and Maris Ayin (the commandment to preserve one’s reputation as a faithful Jew). Could eating a soy burger with cheese be a problem? How about a steak with parve margarine? Listen in, and find out when “looking good” overrides “eating well”!

No waiter ever asked a customer, "Would you like some arsenic with your roast beef, sir?" We would run, not walk, to avoid a food if there was even the slightest chance of it being poisoned. Rabbi David Bistricer, a Rabbinic Coordinator with OU Kashruth, describes another type of poison: a toxin for the heart and soul. Tune in and learn a perspective on keeping kosher which you may never have heard...

A kosher cheeseburger is an oxymoron! A lesser-known kosher regulation is the separation of meat and fish. Join Rabbi David Bistricer, OU Kosher rabbinic coordinator, as he expertly and thoroughly explores this almost hidden facet of Torah life. Topics include: the use of ovens for meat and fish; eating fish and meat in the same meal; additives containing anchovies and omega-3 fatty acids. “Scale” the heights of Jewish knowledge as you “meat” this topic head-on!

Ham; shrimp; cheeseburgers: these are some of the “prototypical” non-kosher products. But should we add paper towels to the list? Join Rabbi David Bistricer, a Rabbinic Coordinator with OU Kashruth, as he examines kashrus topics connected to kitchen-disposables such as aluminum foil and Styrofoam cups. You may find that your concerns are disposable…

"Dear OU Rabbi: I see that Uncle Timmy brand Granola Bars are OU-kosher-parve, but the label says, ‘May contain traces of milk, shrimp, and ham.’ What’s the story? Thanks, a Concerned Consumer.” OU Kashruth receives this kind of question all the time. Rabbi David Bistricer, a Rabbinic Coordinator with OU Kashruth, skillfully and thoroughly provides the answer. Listen in, and never worry about allergen disclaimers again.

Have you ever heard anyone say, “This restaurant isn’t kosher; I’ll just get salad.” If you have, tell them to listen to this presentation. Rabbi David Bistricer, a Rabbinic Coordinator with OU Kashruth with special expertise in insect infestation, eloquently discusses the surprising issues related to eating salads. From traif bugs to kosher croutons and […]